It’s a cook-off, Vegas style. For four days (November 1-4), seasoned and amateur chefs will square off at the inaugural World Food Championships, held as a series of events at Bally’s, Caesars Palace and Paris Las Vegas. Here’s how it works: More than 300 competitors — invited based on their locally renowned dishes — will vie for a cash purse in the categories of barbecue, chef, burger, sandwich, chili, side dish and recipe. Then, the winners of each category compete at a final showdown. “It’s Westminster Dog Show meets the Super Bowl,” in the words of one event spokesperson.

Total winnings at stake? $300,000. Luckily for spectators, most events at the competition are free, including a Bitchin’ Kitchen demo by Cooking Channel’s Nadia G., which takes place on Las Vegas Boulevard Friday and Saturday afternoons. Attendees can also buy tickets to a range of VIP events featuring celebrity chefs such as host Adam Richman (of Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food”).